Environmental and Social Impacts of Tool

Libraries Within Communities

Prepared for: Saint John Tool Library (SJTL)

Prepared by: Team Ontario - Social Innovation Academy

December 20th, 2019

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………..

The History of Tool Libraries and Their 4

Development……………………………………………..

Environmental and Social Benefits of Tool 5

Libraries……………………………………………….

Unique Impacts Tool Libraries Provide (Primary Research Summary)……………….. 8

Tool Library Cost 11

Structure……………………………………………………..……………………………
……..

References……………………………………………………………………………… 13
……………………………………..

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Executive Summary

Environmentally speaking, tool libraries are founded under the principle of creating a sharing community
to increase their aggregate efficiency and of reducing their carbon footprint. On an individual consumer
level, it is environmentally irresponsible to own a tool that will be used for a couple of minutes
throughout its lifespan. The concern of resource depletion and environmental degradation can be tackled
through the shift from the use of privately owned tools to a library tool. Furthermore, the carbon footprint
of lithium-ion batteries is a strong indication that tool libraries can play a significant role in reducing
carbon emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits, tool libraries are founded under the principle of improving
social aspects within a community. They are positioned to serve a diverse group of people, sustaining
intergenerational relationships amongst community members. Tool libraries allow residents in poorer
communities to borrow tools that facilitate lifestyle improvements, situating themselves as a solution to
the consequence of wealth disparity.

The major barriers to starting a tool library are the lack of funding and finding space to do it. However, as
they get started, the main benefits resulting from the tool library operation has been the creation of a
community hub and resource for members. However, there is support from the community to start this
type of sharing model. This support is demonstrated through donations of materials and increased interest
from the community to ensure there is intergenerational access to tools.

With a value-driven approach, tool libraries prioritize providing alternative easy access to tools for users
and communities over building a revenue. They can be started for between $10,000-$20,000 as startup
costs but can be funded through loans, donations and investments. The major component of the startup
costs is obtaining the tools and labour costs. Operating costs vary based on municipality; however, most
include manufacturing overhead and expenses.

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The History of Tool Libraries and their Development

With the onset of social reform movements in the late nineteenth century, the ideological construct of the
library shifted from a private collection of recorded knowledge to an educational institution that facilitates
the transfer of information to the general public (Söderholm & Nolin, 2015). Söderholm and Nolin
(2015), academics in library and information science, argue that the aforementioned “transformation of
the public library in the Western world links to a shift in the production and distribution of goods” (p.
245). There is a marked parallel between the transition from the Fordist to post-Fordist era and the
development of the library - mass production coincided with libraries emphasized large buildings and
extensive paper collections, while subsequent globalization and service-based economies concurred with
the downsizing of central libraries, proliferation of smaller branches, and digitization of collections
(Söderholm & Nolin, 2015).

As the world transitions into what social and economic theorist Jeremy Rifkin coins the third industrial
revolution, in which the sharing economy plays a vital role, a greater focus needs to be placed on
remodelling libraries so that they are adapted to facilitate lending and decrease human gravitation toward
runaway consumerism. Since the mid-1970s, tool libraries have emerged as entities capitalizing on idle
assets for the benefit of the wider community. The first—Columbus Tool Library—was opened in 1976
by the City of Columbus and is still in operation today under a non-profit organization called Modcon
Living, formerly known as Rebuilding Together Central Ohio (Tabor, 2013). Today, Modcon Living’s
Tool Library houses more than 4,000 hand and power tools that are loaned out to members 18,000+ times
in any given year for home repair and modification projects that revitalize neighbourhoods in Central
Ohio (Modcon Living, 2019). Modcon Living’s Tool Library is a thriving manifestation of the impactful
presence that tool libraries can have on the livelihoods of community homes and infrastructure when
given the necessary support and funding.

Despite the success of select tool libraries, widespread adoption has hampered the “little research on the
societal role of libraries that lend out ‘non-traditional’ materials” (Söderholm, 2016). The remainder of
this whitepaper aims to demonstrate the far-reaching environmental and social impressions that tool
libraries leave on local communities. Not only do tool libraries decrease waste, reduce carbon emissions,
and foster community building, but they also set a precedent for modelling future mediums of resource-
sharing that contribute to sustainable development in the long run.

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Environmental and Social Benefits of Tool Libraries

Environmental Benefits
In their paper on calculating the impact of materials reuse, Fortuna and Castaldi (2018) champion
preventative, as opposed to remedial waste management strategies by asserting that “reduction and reuse
should be the primary practices” (p. 1190) for managing waste over other options such as recycling,
energy recovery, and treatment and disposal. Tool libraries are founded on this very principle—
encouraging tool sharing allows communities to reuse resources in a way that increases their aggregate
efficiency and reduces their carbon footprint.

Aggregate Efficiency

In her book What’s Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption, Rachel Botsman writes that
most people who own a power drill use it only between six and thirteen minutes in the entire lifetime of
the drill. Not only is it irrational to own a tool that will be used for only several minutes during its entire
lifespan, but it is also environmentally irresponsible.

Firstly, unnecessary ownership of lithium-ion bearing power tools contributes to the growing concern of
resource depletion. As a result of the increasing electrification of tools, expanding market for electric
vehicles, and rising levels of energy storage, demand for lithium is expected to increase threefold and
demand for cobalt is expected to increase by 60% from 2017 to 2025 (McKinsey, 2018). When we make
unnecessary power tool purchases, we contribute to an already rapidly growing environmental resource
management problem.

Secondly, the batteries in lithium-ion powered tools will likely, along with 95% of other lithium-ion
batteries, end up in the landfill rather than be used to its fullest and appropriately recycled by tool libraries
to be processed and reused (Jacoby, 2019). Among other negative impacts, environmental degradation in
the form of heavy metal contamination in soil and underground water is a critical issue that stems from
improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries (Lv et al., 2018).

In lieu of letting these tools sit idle until the end of their lifetime, tool libraries exist to divert tools from
the landfill, facilitate the reuse of tools, and maximize the utility received from them. Jonas Söderholm
(2015) confirmed through his qualitative study interviewing tool library members that one of the most
prominent reasons for borrowing tools, as opposed to buying them, is the frequency of use. People are
happy to borrow infrequently used tools so long as reaching a tool library is not prohibitively difficult.
Increasing funding and support to help expand and scale the operations of tool libraries would make the
prospect of borrowing tools more accessible and commonplace.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

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The environmental importance of reusing tools through tool lending libraries lies not only in maximizing
aggregate efficiency and waste diversion, but also in the large carbon footprint associated with the life
cycle (i.e. resource extraction, production, shipping, and disposal) of hand and power tools.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a framework used to analyze the environmental impact associated
with the aforementioned product life cycle. Using the LCA, which accounts for environmental impact as a
result of acquiring raw materials, battery manufacturing, battery usage, and battery recycling, Liang et al.
(2016) concluded that based on a functional unit of 1000 kWh, the carbon footprint of a lithium-ion
battery with a 1440 mAh capacity and 4 V charging voltage is roughly 12.7 kg CO2eq. Granted that
power drill batteries come in different capacities and voltages—a standard cordless power drill battery,
for example, could be 18 V and 1500 mAh—the carbon footprint of lithium-ion batteries produced in the
study from Liang et al. (2016) is still a strong indication that tool libraries can play a significant role in
reducing carbon emissions.

Furthermore, case studies on successful tool libraries, such as the North Portland Tool Library (NPTL),
demonstrate the possible reductions in carbon emissions, if adequate funding and support is invested,
allowing tool libraries to proliferate and scale. Founded in 2004, the NPTL—relying only on grant
funding and private donations—expanded by 2014 to serve 5,000 members, loaning out a total of 7,364
tools while saving users nearly $500,000 (USDN, 2014). On the environmental front, researchers found
that the NPTL saved 143 to 200 mt CO2e in upstream impacts (USDN, 2014). At the time of the study,
NPTL had been in operation for ten years, so assuming linear distribution of impact in each year of
operation, the NPTL alone was reducing at most 20 mt CO2e per year. Assuming proportional impact (i.e.
NPTL has 5,000 members to SJTL’s 200), Saint John Tool Library has saved between 5.72 mt CO2e and
8 mt CO2e to date and reduces roughly 0.8 mt CO2e per year at its current size.

Social Benefits

In addition to carbon footprint reduction, there are social benefits that actualize from the implementation
of tool libraries. The aforementioned NPTL study outlines neighbourhood revitalization as one of the
essential benefits that users derive from tool libraries. With dilapidation and abandoned homes rife in
Saint John—an issue described as one that “everyone is upset about [... and] aware of [...], but nothing is
being done”—there is a growing need for a community effort to either restore or tear down these unsafe
homes (Walker, 2019). Tool libraries, like the SJTL, are positioned to tackle this problem and other social
issues that are common to all communities.

Community Building

Tool libraries are community-based social enterprises that serve a diverse group of people. Unlike in a
retail environment where relationships start and end at the till, tool libraries facilitate sustained
relationships between community members. This is because tool libraries are not just places for loaning—
SJTL, for example, offers a DIY centre for new business and homeowners to get their feet off the ground,
classes where community members can learn useful woodworking skills, and volunteerism through
programs such as the SJTL Community Build where community volunteers come together to help a

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homeowner or tenant in need. The SJTL has also promoted intergenerational bonding, as the founder has
noticed users across many generations spending time together in the shop space. It is not uncommon to
see trades workers who are transitioning into retirement teaching new homeowners skills they need for
their home renovation projects. This is great for the mental health of both parties, as changes in each of
their lifestyle can be a stressful time in their lives.

Wealth Disparity

In his thesis evaluating the success of tool libraries, Tabor (2019) notes that tool libraries are often
situated in more impoverished economic areas, with business models that demonstrate intentional action
in offering valuable resources that help communities close the wealth gap.

Under the Low-Income Measure After Tax (LIM-AT), a household is considered to be living in poverty if
its income is below 50% of median household income, adjusted for family size and the number of
incomes in a single household. By this definition, 22.5% of people in Saint John live in poverty, where
dilapidated and abandoned buildings are common (Brown, 2019). Not only do these run-down buildings
pose a safety hazard to its residents, but they also contribute to increases in crime and community
disconnect. This correlation between dilapidated buildings and crime is perfectly captured in an
experiment conducted by social scientists from the University of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (P.H.S.). Based on data collected before and after the remediation of
abandoned buildings and vacant lots in Philadelphia, Branas et al. (2016) concluded a statistically
significant 39% reduction in firearm violence in the revitalized neighbourhoods. Tool libraries ultimately
situate themselves as a solution to the consequences of wealth disparity by allowing residents in poorer
communities to borrow tools that facilitate benefits including home improvement, neighbourhood
redevelopment, home gardening, and food sovereignty.

In addition, these postulated benefits manifest through the efforts of existing tool libraries, namely the
aforementioned North Portland Tool Library (NPTL), which estimated a savings of $60 per tool when
users choose to rent rather than purchase (USDN, 2014). These savings accumulate and positively benefit
individuals with lower incomes by helping them complete necessary home improvement projects. In a
survey conducted by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (2014), NPTL members echoed the
sentiments outlined in this section on “Wealth Disparity,” citing “saving money,” and “improving [their]
neighbourhood” as the two most important benefits they gained from the tool library.

Unique Impacts from Tool Libraries (Primary Research Summary)

Introduction & Tool Library Use

In order to assess the impact of tool libraries, tool library operators and their respective users were
interviewed. This included conversations with the Vancouver Tool Library, North Portland Tool Library,
and the Saint John Tool Library. Apart from the environmental benefits, as discussed previously, one key
finding from the interviews was the community benefits provided. Tool libraries have different purposes
and activities, which solidifies relationships within the communities. These relationships are built across

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various activities the tool library is used for such as gardening, home repair, education and general
craftsmanship projects.

Unique Impacts & Benefits of Tool Libraries

Tool libraries provide various unique impacts and benefits across individuals, communities and the
environment. The following section will outline these benefits.

Community Building
One of the largest benefits of tool libraries is their impact on the local communities typically acting as a
community hub. Typically members start with the tool library because they need a tool for a specific
project. However, they quickly become connected with like-minded individuals and make lasting
connections. Members who become more involved will take up projects together and even maintain a
personal connection.

Aside from the members, the volunteers who run tool libraries also form a community. In the case of the
VTL, volunteers are typically newcomers to Vancouver. Of the dozen active volunteers roughly a third
are newcomers to Canada and a third are those who moved from other cities in Canada to Vancouver.
Through this the tool library has acted as a way to connect these individuals with people in their new
home.

A story to highlight this important community benefit was offered by Laine during an interview. He noted
a longtime member who was very active and well known around the tool library was no longer seen.
After a short while he reached out to the members wife who noted her husband had recently passed away.
She noted that he regretted not finding out about the tool library sooner as it was a great community space
for him.

Economic Benefits
Tool libraries are also used by members for their economic benefits. Some members are able to start Etsy
stores and sell the work they create. Additionally, as many tool libraries work with local contractors the
tool library has actually been able to create jobs. Mike Nicholson of the Saint John Tool Library (SJTL)
has noted that contractors will hire SJTL members who are skilled in a particular area.

Donations
As tool libraries are typically non-profits and are battling for resources - every dollar counts. Tool
libraries are also concerned with limiting waste and their impact on the environment. Given this,
receiving tool donations is very important. From speaking with Laine at the Vancouver Tool Library
(VTL) he estimated that 90% of their 2,000 tools were donated. In their case, without the tool library as
an outlet for donations thousands of tools could have ended up in the dump.

While donations help the tool library, they also help the individual making the donation. During a
conversation with Laine, he noted many tools are donated by elderly widows who would like to see their
late husbands tools be used. Laine uses the opportunity to sit down with the donor to learn the story of the
tool and then shares this with users at the VTL.

Other Benefits

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There are many other benefits tool libraries provide that haven’t been covered above. These both combat
issues and provide benefits:

● Limited Space Available for Tools

● Housing Crisis & Abandoned Homes
● High Cost of Tools
● Renters Inability to Maintain their Home
● Lack of Representation from Marginalized Groups
● Limited Education Budgets

In many cities, space is at a premium. With many individuals living in apartments or smaller homes
there is an inability to store the various tools needed to complete different projects.

In Vancouver and many cities across Canada there are large issues with housing availability. This has
caused many individuals to find alternative arrangements such as camperizing vehicles or living in tiny
homes. Many tool library members have been able to adapt to the current housing climate in their city
with the tool library as a support. More specifically in Saint John, there have been various issues with
abandoned homes. In this respect tool library projects and members have been able to help combat this
issue.

Many members of tool libraries cite ‘cost’ as their driving reason for becoming a member. With the
various amount of tools needed to complete projects, it can be costly for individuals to take up home
improvement or hobby projects. Tool libraries drastically reduce this cost.

A use cited many times by members and tool library operators was the ability for renters to use the tool
library. Typically, renters would like to be able to make home improvements but have issues getting their
landlord to do the work or finance it. In many cases, renters will have their landlord pay for a tool library
membership so they can complete these renovations and maintenance themselves. This works for both
sides as the necessary work gets completed while the landlord finances much of the cost.

At the VTL many workshops are run for different marginalized groups. This highlights the ability for
tool libraries to use their service to promote working with tools to a broader audience.

Tool libraries can also be used for education purposes. Along with workshops being run to teach
members new techniques, the tool library can be used for external education as well. Given ‘workshop’ or
‘tech-ed’ budgets in middle and highschools are limited, the tool library has been used by teachers as a
supplemental tool. For example, if a tool breaks and there is no room left in the budget, the tool library
can act as a cost effective work around for the time being. Teachers can also use the tool library to borrow
tools and show students various tools the school may not have.

Running a Tool Library

Through speaking with tool libraries, we also learned about the challenges faced by these organizations.
This section highlights how others have overcome these challenges and provides resources every tool
library should be using.

Financial Stability

The most common limitation mentioned in the interviews was the ability to achieve long-term financial
stability. While it is possible to achieve financial stability, it is quite tough. For example, the VTL was
only able to become financial stability through a lot of hard work, time and effort. To begin, the VTL
received initial funding of $10,000 CAD from ($7,500 from the City of Vancouver, a $2,000 grant from

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MEC, and $1,500 from a student committee at UBC). They then used this funding to build their current
active user base to 650 active members, 50 members above their breakeven point to achieve financial
stability. However, to gain these 650 active members they acquired over 2,800 all time members,
highlighting the need for a decent population size. To supplement their funding needs, the VTL also used
the ‘gaming grant’ to acquire further funding as needed.

From speaking with tool library operators, the community is quite cooperative and helpful. Many across
the globe are dedicating their time to research and grow the idea of tool libraries. The best place to be to
join this community is through the National Tool Library Google Group
(ToolLibrary@googlegroups.com). You can find more information and join the group here: National Tool
Library Group.

Tool Library Cost Structure

Purpose: “Map out the costs incurred when setting up tool libraries and the ongoing operational costs to
maintain a tool lending program.”

Overview

Tool libraries are value-driven. That is, the primary goal is to provide value to users and communities
over building revenue. According to the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), lending
libraries are generally administered in one of three ways (Tool Lending Libraries—USDN Sustainable
Consumption Toolkit, n.d.):
1. As a program of a local government agency
2. As a program of an existing non-profit organization
3. As a standalone non-profit organization.

The majority of costs for a tool library will come from labour. Important questions to consider could be:

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 1. Will the staff be volunteers, contractors, or employees?
2. What will the hours of operation be? What will have the most impact on the community, while
also keeping labour costs down?

Start Up Costs

According to Share Starter, based in Seattle, Washington, depending on the number of tools that are
donated, a tool library could be started for between $10,000 - $20,000 (Share Starter, 2012). If the tool
library is structured as a social enterprise there is potential for social investment to help with the start up
costs. Other ways to fund this could be from donations, grants, loans and investments. A unique
opportunity lies in donations as the tool library could offer a lifetime membership to those members
whose donations reach a certain threshold.

A significant percentage of the start up costs for a tool library is of course how the tools will be obtained.
Alternatives for purchasing tools could include: tool drives in the community, asking for tool donations,
or strategically composing a public wishlist. Maintenance costs of the tools will have to be considered as
the library should not purchase tools that it cannot afford to maintain. Economies of scope is an additional
consideration required for the start up of the library. For example, purchasing more tools can have a
positive effect on the number of users, although having many of the same tool may have diminishing
returns.

If the tool library plans to lease property for a store-front, first-month lease payments will be a part of the
start up costs for the library.

Operating Costs

A detailed list of operating costs can be found in Appendix B, although most operating costs will vary
based on the municipality the tool library is set up in (Share Starter, 2012).
1. Lease
2. Tool maintenance
3. Salaries
4. Taxes
a. Payroll and sales tax
5. Banking / Payment processing
6. Business Licence
7. Insurance
8. Marketing
9. Office supplies
10. Computer software / hardware
11. Legal
12. Phone/Internet

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(2016). Urban Blight Remediation as a Cost-Beneficial Solution to Firearm Violence.

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